I recently busted out some holiday crafts with my niece and nephew (ages 6 and 4). My niece loves playing with my craft stash—especially the washi tape—which sparked this idea. We grabbed a pack of clear glass christmas ornaments and got to work. Whether you want a festive red and green theme or something more modern, this hands-on activity allows everyone to be creative.
How to Make Washi Tape Ornaments
This washi tape ornament tutorial is incredibly flexible. You can cover the ball completely or create stripes and patterns. Unlike duct tape, which is heavy and sticky, washi tape is easy to reposition if you make a mistake.
Supplies to Make Washi Tape Ornaments
- Christmas ornaments (Clear glass or plastic balls work best).
- Washi tape in different colors and pattern styles.
- Scissor for cutting clean lines.
- Ribbon or string for hanging.
- Optional: Tinsel or mini jingle bells to fill the inside.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ornaments: Start by removing the silver cap from the ornament. If you want to add sparkle, stuff the inside with gold or silver tinsel before applying the tape. This is a cute way to add depth to your homemade ornaments.
2. Apply the Tape: Select your favorite roll of tape. You can tear small pieces of tape for a mosaic look or cut a long strip to wrap around the circumference. Stick the tape onto the glass, smoothing it out as you go.
3. Overlap and Smooth: To cover a spherical shape smoothly, it helps to overlap the edge of each piece. Don’t worry about perfection; the covered in washi tape look is meant to be homemade and charming. If you are doing this with young kids, let them stick pieces randomly—it always turns out unique!
4. Finish the Look: Once you are happy with the design, replace the cap. Tie a bow using festive ribbon or string. You can even use a tag made from card stock to turn this into a unique gift for teachers or friends.
Bonus Idea: Washi Tape Cards and Tags
Don’t stop at ornaments! You can use your leftover supplies to make a matching Christmas card or tag. Simply taking a piece of card stock and using a hole punch or punch to create a circle shape can simulate an ornament on paper.
Trace a circle onto a blank card, fill the circle with strips of tape, and draw a line to look like it is hanging from a branch. This creative DIY approach saves money and adds a personal touch to your gift giving. You can also find printables online to use as a base for your designs.
Conclusion
That’s all about the washi tape crafts for this season! From a washi tape ornament to a wreath or a beautiful Christmas tree decor, these simple yet elegant ideas are sure to add sparkle to your home this holiday season. Whether you hang them on your tree or use them to decorate a stock ing, get one ready before Christmas arrives.
Did you make anything using this brilliant idea? Share your creative works in the comments! For more inspiration, check out our other DIY projects.
FAQs
Q: What makes washi tape special for crafts?
A: Washi tape, or Japanese paper tape, is a versatile material made from natural fibers like rice or bamboo. It is durable yet easy to tear by hand. Unlike heavy duct tape, washi tape is lightweight and removable, making it perfect for temporary decor or delicate paper projects like a christmas card.
Q: Do I need glue for washi tape ornaments?
A: No extra glue is typically needed! Washi tape has its own adhesive backing that is strong enough to stick to glass or plastic ornaments. However, you can add a dab of glue to the bow or ribbon at the top to ensure it stays secure on the christmas tree.
Q: Can I use this technique for other holiday themes?
A: Absolutely! While red and green make great christmas ornaments, you can use pastels for Easter or orange and black for Halloween. Just change the color and pattern of your tape to match the holiday.
Q: How do I store my washi tape ornaments?
A: Since the material is paper-based, store them in a dry place. Wrap them in tissue paper to prevent the tape from peeling or getting scratched. A standard ornament storage box works perfectly to keep many ornaments safe.
Q: Is this a good project for a classroom?
A: Yes, making a washi tape ornament is an ideal classroom project. It requires minimal mess (no paint or glitter required), helps develop fine motor skills through cutting and placing tape, and results in a cute gift parents will love.
